Mama Elephant: More Mileage With Your ME Favorites

Hello! I'm over at the Mama Elephant blog today, to share four cards that mixes this month's releases with some Mama Elephant originals from last year. This is perfect for ME fans who may already have some of last year's favorites. I wanted to show you how to get more mileage out of your stamps. Here's a preview of the cards but go on over to the Mama Elephant blog to see how I created all of these cards.

"Merry, Happy, Cheer, Santa" card:

Materials used: Mama Elephant Cozy Christmas and Polar Pals, Mama Elephant Creative Color Inks (in sunshine, apple, orangeade, and bubblegum), Memento ink in London Fog, Copic Sketch markers

"Feliz Navidad Snow Globe" card:

Materials used: Mama Elephant Merry Greetings, Full House, and Believe in Magic, Memento ink in London Fog and Tuxedo Black, Stickles, Distress Inks, sequins

"Warm Holiday Wishes Dear Deer" card:

Materials used: Mama Elephant Winter Wonderland and Polar Pals, Mama Elephant Bold Banner die and Embellished Tags die, Memento ink in London Fog and Tuxedo Black, gold glitter paint, sequins

"Yay Baby Celebration" card:

Materials used: Mama Elephant Party Kit and Nursery Decor, Mama Elephant Creative Color Inks (in mojito and ocean), Memento ink in Tuxedo Black, Copic Sketch markers

As you can see, the new Mama Elephant stamp sets are very versatile and can be mixed with older sets for even more variety so you can be sure that you get optimal mileage out of your stamps! Head on over to the Mama Elephant blog to get all of the details on how I created these cards.

Thanks for stopping by!
- KRAFTY pearl

SEI Spotlight: "Holiday Wreathe" Card & Matching Tag

Hello! I was over on the SEI blog earlier this week sharing another simple holiday card made with SEI's new Chalet collection and my favorite die-cutting tool, the Silhouette Cameo. I really love the Silhouette Cameo because there's so much you can do with it.

For this card, I designed a wreathe very simply using stars and circles. I purposely left some spots uncut so that I could add some pearls to give it added dimension. I also like how it gives it the illusion of berries you may find on a wreathe. The stickers and paper peeking underneath are from the SEI Chalet collection and perfect with a simple kraft card.

Materials used: SEI's Chalet collection, Silhouette Cameo

Check out how I made the card and tags over at the SEI blog!

And this project ends my two year term on the SEI design team. I had so much fun designing for SEI because their designs make it easy to be inspired to make anything! I am so thankful for my time with SEI and I can't wait to continue to be a customer and follow inspiration from the new 2014 design team. Thank you, SEI!

Thanks for stopping by!
-KRAFTY pearl

Mama Elephant & Studio Calico Cinnamon Spice Add-On Kit

Hello! I'm so excited to share that Mama Elephant has an exclusive stamp set in this month's Studio Calico Card add-on kit, Cinnamon Spice. Plus there's a giveaway on the Mama Elephant blog today, so be sure to stop by the ME blog to get all the details and to participate.

I'm already a Studio Calico Project Life subscriber so getting an extra kit this month to play with and to make cards with was such a treat! I love how the paper pad has perfect designs for holiday card making and my favorite of course is the Mama Elephant exclusive stamp set for the Studio Calico Cinnamon Spice November Card Add-On Kit.

"All is Calm, All is Bright" card: I started with the kraft card base from the kit. I stamped the Mama Elephant row of decorated houses onto the kraft paper for a subtle look. Then I used the white gel pen from the Mama Elephant white marker set to add snow trim to the houses. I really wanted to contrast a sparkly "all is bright" with a tone on tone "all is calm" neighborhood, so I sprinkled a bunch of gold, copper, silver, and clear peach sequins and adhered them to the card base. Now, I love sequins on cards, but they're not always great to send in the mail because they can pop off. So I decided to create a "window" to the card as a protective layer above the sequins using clear acetate.

I really love the Studio Calico white washed brick pattern paper because it reminds me of snow but has just enough texture appearance to make it a faint background. So I used this pattern paper to sandwich the acetate so that the calm and bright village can show through.

Materials used: Studio Calico November Cuppa Card Kit Cinnamon Spice November Card Add-On with exclusive Mama Elephant stamp set, Clearsnap ColorBox fluid chalk ink, Mama Elephant white pen set, Memento ink in Tuxedo Black, sequins

"Joy to You and Me" card: For my second card, I also used the kraft card base that came in the kit. I stamped the Mama Elephant sentiment circle and then used a craft knife to cut a window out. I then stamped and embossed the wreathe image from the Studio Calico Cuppa Card Kit stamp set. I love the black sparkle embossing powder from Ranger! I then drew strings for the ornaments to suspend from and added the Studio Calico bows. To finish the front of the card, I stamped a bunch of snowflakes and stars from the Studio Calico exclusive Mama Elephant Cinnamon Spice stamp set and added a few black stars that came with the kit. Lastly, I stamped the circle sentiment on the inside of the card matching up to the window.

Materials used: Studio Calico November Cuppa Card Kit and Cinnamon Spice November Card Add-On with exclusive Mama Elephant stamp set, Memento ink in London Fog, Tsukineko Embossing Ink, Ranger Embossing Powder in Black Sparkle

Here's a closer look at the card when it's folded flush. The stamped sentiment peeks through perfectly like a dimensional ornament. This is also a better view of the black sparkle embossing powder -- I love the sharp black shimmer!

Be sure to check out the Mama Elephant blog for your chance at the giveaway!

Thanks for stopping by!

- KRAFTY pearl

SEI Spotlight: "Joy" Holiday Card

Hi! Happy Friday! Earlier this week, I was over on the SEI blog sharing a clean and simple holiday card made with SEI's new Chalet collection and one of my favorite tools, the Silhouette Cameo. Check out how I made this card here!

Materials used: SEI's Chalet collection, Silhouette Cameo

Thanks for stopping by!
-KRAFTY pearl

Mama Elephant Highlight: Toy Shop

Good morning! Here to share the last of this month's Mama Elephant highlights. You must check out the Mama Elephant blog if you haven't already done so to see all the new products and design team inspiration.

Today we're taking a close look at Toy Shop. As you may have seen during the Mama Elephant Stampede, I had highlighted several ways to use Toy Shop already. But here's another way to use this awesome stamp set.

I stamped the toy shop image with a welcome sign above. To create the pole for the sign to hang off of on the roof, I stamped the stripe from Remember December in apple. I colored the rest with Copics. Using a craft knife, I cut the window opening and added an old Hambly pennant overlay to create a real window. On the inside of the card, I stamped a few toy images and colored them with Copics. I love how you can see through the cover of the card. This set is perfect for any kind of building and customizing you want and a must-have for the holidays!

Materials used: Mama Elephant Toy Shop, Mama Elephant Creative Color Inks (in apple), Memento ink in Tuxedo Black, Copic Sketch markers

Stop by the Mama Elephant blog to see what the rest of the design team created with this super cute and versatile stamp set!

Thanks for stopping by!
- KRAFTY pearl

Mama Elephant Highlight: Merry Greetings

Hi there! We're back again with a Mama Elephant highlight today on Merry Greetings. This is a must-have sentiment set. With a perfect combination of beautiful handwriting and typography, you can wish everyone joy this holiday season in anyway you wish!

"Joy To You and Me" Card: I created a layered card with kraft paper. I first used the Creative Cuts Embellished Tag to make a window so the "joy to you and me" sentiment from Merry Greetings would peek colorfully underneath. I decorated the the sentiment with the cute decorative images from Winter Wonderland and the gorgeous colors from Mama Elephant Creative Color inks. I also added gold polka dot washi tape on the edge of the card fold. Before adhering the kraft cardstock to the card, I added deers and a star image from the Winter Wonderland in hazel to give it a subtle brown on cardstock look so that the decorated sentiment peeking through would be the main focal point.

Materials used: Mama Elephant Merry Greetings, Mama Elephant Creative Cuts (Embellished Tag), Mama Elephant Creative Color Inks (in winter, apple, mojito, hazel, ocean), Memento ink in Tuxedo Black, washi tape

"Mistletoe" Card: I also wanted to show how this perfect holiday sentiment set can also be used to make an even simpler card. All you need is one of the sentiment stamps, accompanying mistletoe suspended from the dotted line image from Polar Pals, and a few clear sequins.

Materials used: Mama Elephant Merry Greetings, Mama Elephant Creative Color Inks (in apple and mojito), Memento ink in Tuxedo Black, sequins

Don't forget to check out the Mama Elephant blog to see what the rest of the design team created with this holiday must-have stamp set!

Thanks for stopping by!
- KRAFTY pearl

Mama Elephant Highlight: Remember December

Good morning! We continue the Mama Elephant highlights this week. On this Monday morning, we're taking a look at Remember December.

Inspired by the perfect holiday sentiment circles and used them to make string lights with the help of the dotted line image from Party Kit and star images from Merry Greetings. I kept it clean and simple by stamping the calligraphy sentiment "celebrate the good times." It's such a simple yet punchy single layer card!

Materials used: Mama Elephant Remember December, Mama Elephant Creative Color Inks (in blush, lollipop, and apple), Tsukineko Delicata Golden Glitz metallic pigment ink, Memento ink in Tuxedo Black

Make sure you check out the Mama Elephant blog to see what the rest of the design team created with this perfect holiday set!

Thanks for stopping by!
- KRAFTY pearl

Mama Elephant Highlight: Cozy Christmas

Happy Friday! It's been a very exciting month so far at Mama Elephant. We end this week with a look at the Cozy Christmas set. The images are adorable and I especially love Mr. and Mrs. Claus!

I created this card showcasing the adorable couple. I first stamped the bottom portion of the tree image to create a ruffled garland framing the top of the card. I then embossed the background to give it a bit of texture. Then I created a banner with a gift box stacked above and the sentiment "Merry Christmas from our home to yours" on it. Lastly, I stamped Mr. and Mrs. Claus images, colored them with Copic Sketch markers and cut them out and tucked them behind the banner.

Materials used: Mama Elephant Cozy Christmas, Tsukineko Delicata Golden Glitz metallic pigment ink, Memento ink in Tuxedo Black, Copic Sketch markers, Stickles, embossing folder

Make sure you check out the Mama Elephant blog to see what the rest of the design team created with this perfect holiday set!

Thanks for stopping by!
- KRAFTY pearl

Mama Elephant Highlight: Winter Wonderland

Good morning! Today, we're kicking off the Mama Elephant October highlights with Winter Wonderland. This is a must have set for the holidays! I created two cards for this highlight.

"Sparkle and Shine" watercolor card: I clear embossed the birch trees and super cute mama and baby deer images. I then applied a pink, purple, and orange watercolor background to create a pinkish sunset sky. Lastly, I stamped metallic gold stars to create the night sky and finished it off with the fun sentiment, "sparkle and shine" to a banner.

Materials used: Mama Elephant Winter Wonderland, Zing clear embossing powder, Tsukineko Delicata Golden Glitz metallic pigment ink

"In the Lane" postcard: I stamped a single layer postcard so that it'd be easy to mail out. I wanted to focus mostly on the baby deer but set her in a snow washed simple scene, so I kept the colors simply black and white. I then applied pink, orange, purple, and gold inks to the baby deer image and stamped her along with the stars in the same colors. Lastly, I wanted to point out how the birch tree can be used not only vertically, but also horizontally as a tree branch as I have here. I added some bells and a birdhouse to decorate the tree branch.

Materials used: Mama Elephant Winter Wonderland, Memento Ink in Tuxedo Black, Tsukineko Delicata Golden Glitz metallic pigment ink, Colorbox Chalk inks

Don't forget to visit the Mama Elephant blog to see what the rest of the design team created!

Thanks for stopping by!
- KRAFTY pearl

Mama Elephant Anniversary Stampede

Welcome to day 2 of the Mama Elephant Anniversary Stampede! Missed day 1? Don't worry, here it is.

Thank you for coming by today to celebrate Mama Elephant's one year anniversary with us! We are joined by our new Design Team and an all star line-up of dear friends and guest designers. So much talent jam packed into this! You will not want to miss a single stop!

We've also got a great sale going on:

• Use code BIRTHDAY for 10% off your entire purchase (valid 10/15-10/16 EST only). 
• FREE Party Kit stamp set with $100 purchase (after discount 10/15-11/14 EST only or while supplies last).
• FREE Party Kit stamp set and matching Party Kit die set with $150 purchase (after discount 10/15-11/14 EST only or while supplies last).

Let's talk prizes! Mama Elephant is giving away a $10 gift certificate on every stop of the Stampede! In addition to that, we are giving away one a grand prize of $50 gift certificate to one lucky winner! Winner will be chosen at random from all the blogs, so make sure you hit everyone up!

I love the Mama Elephant Toy Shop stamp set because you can build any toy scene to your desire! Have a look at all of the possibilities.

"You Made The Nice List" gift tag: I created a gift tag by stacking the Toy Shop images together. I used Copics to color the roof and trimmings, added some sparkle with Stickles, and wrote the sweet little boy's name in the window. I then layered the image on top of the brown tag and tied a red satin ribbon to finish the tag off.

Materials used: Mama Elephant Toy Shop, Memento ink in Tuxedo Black, Copic Sketch markers, Stickles, satin ribbon

"Happy Birthday" boy card: For my next card, I stacked all of the fun toys along with the sentiment "happy birthday" simply on a white strip. I then stitched the strip to a dark grey card stock, perfect for any birthday boy.

Materials used: Mama Elephant Toy Shop, Memento ink in Tuxedo Black

"Happy Birthday" girl card: For my last card, I stacked more of the fun toys, sweet cupcakes, and lollipops on a kraft cardstock base. I then stacked the sentiment 'happy birthday" in sweet pinks and purple on a white banner. I then added pink rhinestones to finish the simple girly card.

Materials used: Mama Elephant Toy Shop, Clearsnap ColorBox fluid chalk ink, rhinestones

Here's how to qualify to win (leave a separate comment for each):

1. Leave a comment on this blog post.
2. Become a follower of our blog: http://tinyurl.com/mefollowers
3. Like/share us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mamaelephant
4. Follow/tweet us on Twitter: @HeyMamaElephant

If you didn't start the hop from the beginning, make sure you do so now!

• Mama Elephant http://www.mamaelephantblog.com/
• Jennifer McGuire http://jennifermcguireink.com
• Kathy Racoosin http://thedailymarker.blogspot.com/
• Laura Bassen http://laurafadora.wordpress.com/
• Betsy Veldman http://scrapbookgirl.typepad.com/
• Geralyn Sy http://inacreativebubble.blogspot.com/
• Cristina Kowalczyk http://mypapersecret.blogspot.com/
• Pearl Lui-Chan http://kraftypearl.blogspot.com/ (you are here!)

Thanks for stopping by!
- KRAFTY pearl

Etsy School: Paper & Scarf Marbling

Hi! I mentioned last month here, how I held a class for Etsy employees on cardmaking with watercolor and masking techniques. Since then, I've taken two other classes held by my talented colleagues.

Curious about Etsy School? Learn what they're all about here.

Today, I'd like to focus on a paper and scarf marbling class where I learned different marbling techniques and since have been drawn into an obsession of creating my own marble patterns. There are so many possibilities and I can't wait to try creating more patterns. I have plans of using these as mini scrapbook covers, Project Life cards, and greeting cards for my Etsy store.

How cool, huh? You can learn how to do this yourself too from the lovely Clare McGibbon. She has a great Etsy How-Tuesday post. It's an awesome how-to, so go ahead and check it out!

Thank you, Clare and Etsy, for supporting education amongst employees!

Thanks for stopping by!
- KRAFTY pearl

Yummy Food Goodness: Bringing Butter Back

Good morning, Saturday! I love Saturday mornings because I get to sleep in and think about a hearty breakfast that I don't typically have time to eat on a weekday.

One of my most talented home chef friends, Debbie (also the owner of Bringing Butter Back on Etsy), is always sharing her yummy goodness with me. She's always warming my belly, from savory chorizo kale soup to Portuguese egg custard tarts, to Portuguese cupcakes, to chocolate caramel tarts, to power-packed healthy chia bites, her homemade goodies are always such a treat!

Earlier this week, we had dinner and she shared a jar of her delicious, homemade apple butter. I had no idea apple butter existed and I had never heard of it before, but let me just tell you, it is one of the yummiest spreads I've ever had. It's perfect on toast, pancakes, and even with plain Greek yogurt.

I'm having it on whole wheat toast today! Slurp!

Here's a closer look at the yummy goodness. It smells and tastes so delightful. It is rich, sweet, and perfect to accompany autumn breakfast.

Thank you, Debbie!

Have a happy Saturday and I hope you're inspired to visit your local farm or market to try something yummy today. Or better yet, head on over to Bringing Butter Back and get apple butter delivered directly to your doorsteps!

Thanks for stopping!

- KRAFTY pearl

SEI Spotlight: Simple Holiday Cards with the Silhouette

Hi! Happy Friday! Last week, I was over on the SEI blog where I had shared some simple holiday cards made with SEI's new Chalet collection and my trusty Silhouette Cameo. I already have the holidays on the brain given how it's already October!

Materials used: SEI's Chalet collection, Silhouette Cameo

Check out how I made these cards here!

Thanks for stopping by!
-KRAFTY pearl

Mama Elephant Stamp Previews & Party Kit Promo

Hi there! Just a reminder to make sure you visit the Mama Elephant blog to check out the October stamp previews! And if you're curious about the stamp set used to create the these cards below, then you MUST check out the Mama Elephant blog for more details on Party Kit -- a very special promo offered with this month's releases only or while supplies last!

Materials used: Mama Elephant Party Kit, washi tape

Here's a closer look at the heart balloons and the semi transparent layers. I just love the tassels in this set that really sets this stamp set apart. It's perfect with balloons of all shapes and great for celebrating any festive event!

And because I'm so psyched about the Party Kit stamp set, I created another card for a special birthday boy who celebrated his second birthday just this past weekend. This time, I used the round balloons and added complimentary green tassels in varying tones as well as the sentiments as the balloon strings. So fun and so versatile -- And that's why you'll want to get in on the Mama Elephant promotion!

Materials used: Mama Elephant Party Kit, Heidi Swapp Serendipity pattern paper, sequins

Thanks for stopping by!
- KRAFTY pearl

Mama Elephant Design Team

So happy to share that I'll continue to work with the talented ladies at Mama Elephant for another season. I'm always inspired by their awesomely versatile stamp designs. Oh and here's a hint: be sure to check out the Mama Elephant blog this week and frequently! I promise you won't be disappointed!

Thanks for stopping by!

- KRAFTY pearl

SEI Spotlight: Advent Calendar with the Silhouette

Happy hump day! I was over on the SEI blog yesterday to share another holiday project inspired by the beautiful SEI's Chalet collection. I designed the advent calendar file on my Silhouette Cameo and let the machine do the rest of the work.

Materials used: SEI's Chalet collection, Silhouette Cameo

See how it all came together on the SEI blog.

Thanks for stopping by!
- KRAFTY pearl